Q - We understand that you and your officers will continue in office for another year, is that right?

A - Yes, the Department of Indiana American Legion has cancelled the Department & Detachment conventions scheduled for July 2020. All Department and Detachment officers will continue in their position until the Department & detachment conventions in July of 2021.

Q - Will the continuation of Detachment officers effect the District and especially the Squadrons?

A - The Department American Legion has asked that all Districts & Posts retain their officers for the next administrative year. We are asking that each District and Squadron keep their current officers for the next administrative year. I would like to have the same leadership behind me next year all the way to the squadron level.

Q - What if our Squadron officers do not want to remain in place for another year?

A - If your officers do not wish not remain in place then your squadron can replace any who want to resign in the manner stated in your Squadron constitution & bylaws.

Q - My squadron still wants to hold nominations & elections after the quarantine is over, are we able to get that done?

A - Yes if you wish you can still hold nominations and elections at your Post home. Remember that each squadron is a program of the post where it is chartered, so it is best to follow the lead of your American Legion Post.

Q - With the convention cancelled will awards still be given?

A - Yes we will be giving out awards. There will be end of year membership awards, Community Service awards, Rehabilitation awards, Children & Youth awards, Gordon Rayburn Distinguished Service Award & the Raymond P Giehll, IV Scholarship. Applications are on the Detachment website and were mailed to your squadron. Some awards are based on the Consolidated Squadron Report, which you also received and should fill out so we know what great works your squadron did this past year. And you might get one of those awards.

Q - With you continuing as Detachment Commander Jimmy, will your project remain the same?

A - This year’s project to remodel MacArthur Hall at Indiana Veteran’s Home has gone great. We have received enough donations to get the job done for the Home and the veterans that reside there. As for next year, I am still reviewing the options.

Q - Will there be Close of Books to end the 2020 membership year?

A - Yes, but it will be different this year. We are asking that District Commanders or a representative named by them in advance to come to Department headquarters to pick up the 2021 membership cards. This will be done in a drive through format on June 29, June 30 & July 1, 2020 during regular Department hours 8 - 4:30.

Q - What will the requirements be for squadrons to receive their 2021 membership cards?

A - For a squadron to receive their 2021 membership cards they will have to have a new 2020-21 Squadron Officer Certification form at Department headquarters. They will also need to have a zero balance with Department on their reconciliation report. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! Do not return your unused cards and do not mail your unused cards to Department. Your cards will not be given to your District Commander without meeting these requirements. We also encourage each squadron to turn in a CSR report. Those were mailed and you can get a link to the CSR report at the Detachment website.

Q - We are hearing that the cost per card is going up again this year, is that true?

A - Yes, the National Sons has raised the National portion of our dues by $3. So you will need to remit $13 per membership card beginning with the 2021 membership cards.

Q - Will the Detachment Commission & Committees be meeting before the next live meeting?

A - The Detachment Commissions & Committees will be meeting virtually or by conference call to work on the end of the year awards. They will meet in the same manner if needed or at the Commander’s call.

Q - What about the Detachment Annual Golf Tournament?

A - At this time the Detachment Golf Tournament has been cancelled. We are looking at rescheduling it later in the Summer or early Fall if the current situation makes that possible.

Q - What about the SAL Family Campout?

A - The SAL Family Campout has also been cancelled and we do not have any plans to reschedule that this year. The SAL Family Campout will be back next year.

Q - Is it correct that the National Convention in Louisville has also been cancelled?

A - Yes the National Convention has been cancelled. SAL National Commander Clint Bolt and his officers will remain in office until the 2021 National convention in Phoenix.

Q - Do you know when the Detachment will meet again?

A - As of right now the next meeting of the Detachment Executive Committee will be at the Fall Conference in October. But remember in this trying time things are subject to change.

Q - My squadron has donations that it wants to make, can we still make those donations?

A - Yes, Absolutely. The things we do as the American Legion Family for our Veterans, Community & Children are still going on and need your support. The calendar year for donations to the Child Welfare Foundation ends on May 31, 2020. Donations to CWF after that date will go on next year’s administration, hey it occurs to me that will still be my administration, so keep those coming. The Sons are the largest donators to CWF.The Detachment also has the Sons In Need Program to help our follow members in time of need. Application for SINS can be made through your squadron, your continued support of this Indiana program is needed. Send any donations you have to the American Legion Department Headquarters, mark the memo area clearly as to where the donation will be going.